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F1 Drivers Push Back: Frustration with FIA’s Leadership Reaches Boiling Point

Virgilio Machado by Virgilio Machado
November 21, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Mohammed Ben Sulayem FIA President Slams Lack of Recognition Amid Formula 1’s Explosive Growth

Formula 1 drivers are publicly voicing their frustration with the FIA’s governance under President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, accusing the organization of poor communication, inconsistent decision-making, and a lack of transparency. Led by George Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), the drivers have issued a rare and pointed statement calling for change, citing long-standing grievances over fines, leadership instability, and sidelining the drivers’ input.


“Fed Up With the Direction”

The GPDA statement, published after weeks of internal discussions, criticized Ben Sulayem for treating drivers “like children” and mishandling key issues, including a recent crackdown on swearing. Notably, Max Verstappen received a community service penalty for using profanity during a press conference—an action drivers felt was excessive and arbitrary.

“We’ve probably learned from the past that whenever we’ve spoken up internally, it hasn’t gone anywhere,” Russell said. “We’re showing how seriously we feel as a whole on the subject.”


“Leadership Instability and Poor Communication”

One of the drivers’ key complaints is the FIA’s revolving door of personnel. Since Ben Sulayem took over, high-profile exits have included the F1 CEO, compliance officer, and several sporting and technical directors. Most recently, race director Niels Wittich was removed just before the season’s final three races, leaving F2 and F3 race director Rui Marques to take over.

“It’s clearly not the most stable of places,” Russell remarked. “Maybe that’s why it’s been challenging to get some of the changes we’ve wanted implemented.”

Drivers were blindsided by Wittich’s dismissal, with several expressing frustration over the lack of consultation.

“We feel like we’re the last to find out,” Russell said. “When it involves us directly, it would be nice to be kept in the loop.”


“Calls for Transparency on Driver Fines”

Another major issue is the lack of clarity regarding how driver fines are used. The GPDA is pushing for financial transparency, especially after reports suggested penalties could reach $1 million.

“When we were hearing from the FIA a couple of years ago, they talked about reinvesting fine money into grassroots racing, which we’re all in favor of,” Russell said. “But we don’t see where it’s going.”

Russell emphasized that while some drivers can easily afford large fines, rookies and those on smaller contracts would be disproportionately affected. Knowing how fines are reinvested would make the penalties more acceptable, he argued.


“Drivers Demand Consistency”

The drivers’ frustrations extend to how the FIA manages race regulations and stewards’ decisions. Many feel the organization lacks the consistency seen in other sports, where permanent officials oversee operations year-round.

“Pretty much every other sport has permanent stewards for consistency,” said McLaren’s Lando Norris. “That’s what we want as drivers. Things aren’t running as smoothly as we’d like.”


“A Divide Between Drivers and the FIA”

Veterans like Kevin Magnussen lamented the lack of connection between drivers and the FIA, contrasting the current era with the late Charlie Whiting’s tenure as race director.

“With Charlie, we felt connected and listened to,” Magnussen said. “Now it seems like a lot of us are against them. There should be more cooperation.”


“Looking Forward: A Call for Change”

The drivers have made it clear that they’re not against the FIA but want a more collaborative relationship. Russell summed up the drivers’ stance, saying they are advocating for the “benefit of the sport” and hope to see a change in how their concerns are addressed.

“We all know what we want from the sport,” he said. “We want to do a small U-turn on a number of topics and work together with the FIA, but that hasn’t been happening.”

With just three races left in the season, the drivers hope their statement will prompt the FIA to take their grievances seriously. Whether the governing body responds remains to be seen, but the growing divide between the FIA and the drivers threatens to become a defining issue in Formula 1’s modern era.

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